Iowa’s Top Returning Stealers
Up next in our daily season preview articles is the state’s top returning ball swipers. The fourth article in a series of 73 highlights the players who can get their hands on the ball defensively better than anyone else. Let’s…
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Continue ReadingUp next in our daily season preview articles is the state’s top returning ball swipers. The fourth article in a series of 73 highlights the players who can get their hands on the ball defensively better than anyone else. Let’s hop in and see who the top returning qualifying stealers (in terms of total steals) will be for the upcoming season.
Kori Wedeking — 5’9 SF — 2020 —Clarksville
*144 steals*
Wedeking is one of the premier defenders in the state. She was second last year in steals regardless of class and she is setting up to have a really solid defensive season once again. Wedeking is a supremely athletic player who has a good nose for the ball. Don’t be surprised to see her touch the 150-160 steal mark this season.
Helaina Hillyard — 5’10 SF — 2020 — Mediapolis
*139 steals*
Hillyard was also in the list of the top returning passers which is a testament to how solid her feel for the game is. Hillyard has insanely quick hands allowing her to swipe the ball and she is going to contend for the lead in steals this year. She is going to be a tough matchup for even the top players in the state with her quickness. Committed to Western Illinois for volleyball.
JeMae Nichols — 5’10 SF — 2021 — Cherokee
*122 steals*
Nichols is likely one of the most athletic players in the state regardless of class. Her athleticism really separates her from other players on the floor and because of it is able to rack up steals. She reads the eyes of the offensive player well and then is able to jump the passing lane. A supremely talented athlete Nichols holds the ability to be a defensive stalwart.
Sam Stewart — 5’6 SG — 2021 — Mount Ayr
*118 steals*
Stewart is one of the top all-around players in the state as evidenced by her inclusion on numerous of these lists. I really like her poise with the ball on offense but then on defense she has the ability to really cause havoc. She reads the offense really well and is someone who disrupts a game plan. Outstanding hand eye coordination allowing her to pick pocket her man. Stewart is going to be right back at the top of the steals list this upcoming year.
Sophia Jungling — 5’5 PG — 2020 — Aplington-Parkersburg
*117 steals*
Jungling is a thin guard but pound for pound one of the strongest in the state. Really enjoy watching her play defensively because of just how tough she is. Jungling is always going to be a player that mixes it up on defense and she is always going to give all her effort. Her quickness also benefits her by allowing her to jump the passing lanes and grab easy steals.
Rachel Leerar — 5’7 PG — 2021 — West Hancock
*114 steals*
Leerar seems like she is among the best in the state in the multitude of categories. Possibly the most important is her ability to get steals when needed and to spark the offense off of those. Tough defender who is very smart and knows right where she should be at all times. She is a very heady player and is, at times, a coach out on the floor.
Erin Sobotka — 5’8 SG — 2020 — Diagonal
*111 steals*
Sobotka is likely a player that many people do not know around the state. She is a heady guard who has shown in the past that she can tear it up on the defensive end of the floor. This year she will be counted on the defensive end even more than last year and I think she’s going to come through in a big way. Really competitive player who can get after it on the defensive end.
Kylee Sanders — 5’9 SF — 2021 — Louisa-Muscatine
*107 steals*
Sanders is a player who was getting steals left and right last season. Sanders has the ability to both pick off passes in the lane and also take the ball while playing on the ball. An overlooked defender, players keep taking her for granted and trying to take her to the rim. Her ability to steal the ball is really good and has a shot to get up near 150 steals this season.
Teagan Slaughter — 5’9 SF — 2021 — Cherokee
*105 steals*
Slaughter is the second Cherokee player to find this list. While not as athletic as Nichols, Slaughter does get a lot of steals even still. She has a really good ability to get her hands on those errant passes and dive into the passing lanes. Slaughter was actually the third leading scorer from last year on this team but is returning and likely to increase her steal total next year.
Megan Stuhr — 5’10 PF — 2021 — Sigourney
*103 steals*
Stuhr rounds out the top ten list as well as the last person in the state last year who had over 100 steals. I really like her ability to get her hands on the ball when smaller defenders are trying to drive the ball in. Stuhr has a nice feel for the game and has a really good ability to get the ball out quickly in transition. Look for another big year from her.